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(When the time came that we were able to talk and he offered me the position, of course, I wanted it. Why not? It’s about time the people of Makati know how true service feels like.)

ATENEAN. A photo of Karla when for her graduation from the Ateneo School of Government. Photo from Karla Mercado's Facebook account

The young Mercado is a political neophyte but she does't think it should be a hindrance for her. She said she had been exposed to public service when her father served as Makati vice mayor and when her sibling became Sangguniang Kabataan president.

(Apart from being with my father and sibling, I have completed my studies. I finished communications arts at the College of the Holy Spirit Manila and also took my masters in public management at the Ateneo School of Government.)

“Sa tingin ko naman, with proper guidance din at itong pinag-aralan ko, at yung kagustuhan talaga na magserbisyo, I can do it (I think with proper guidance, my degrees, and my intention to be of service, I can do it.)

Peña said he picked Karla to be his runningmate because he believes she is capable.

“It's not because of her father. It is because of sa sarili kong paniniwala [ay] karapat-dapat siya at sinabi niya sa kin mismo na gusto niyang makapagserbisyo sa lungsod ng Makati at ‘yun ang importante,” Peña told reporters after filing his candidacy for mayor on Monday.

(It is because I believe she deserves the position and she told me she wants to be of service to Makati City, and that is what matters.)

Parental influence

SUPPORT. Karla says her father supports her bid for the vice mayoral post in Makati. Photo from Karla Mercado's Facebook account

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Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).